STLR Aesthetics Athletic Apparel

Reductionist, functional gym gear that's fit for the street

As we are constantly scouting out for advancements in athletic apparel, a common concern becomes finding durable gym clothes that one feels comfortable wearing to—and potentially from—the gym. New NYC-based STLR Aesthetics launches today with a five-piece collection designed for performance but with an urban, fashion-forward aesthetic. These are functional activewear pieces but the style, fit and materials (78% nylon and 22% elastane from Italy) hold up elsewhere. Two design themes are at play here: inspiration from Japanese minimalism and an emphasis on physique-considered cuts.

Unsurprisingly, two personal trainers founded STLR Aesthetics. Dan Wood and Max T Shannon (who designed the collection and are modeling it here) work with NYC's Rich Barretta—a facility consistently acknowledged as one of the best private training gyms in the city. From their proximity to the fashion and apparel worlds, to their appreciation for high design, STLR was born. And the fact that they themselves use the apparel (and have a better understanding of the human body under duress than most) fuels their products. Further, the fabrics are anti-microbial and sweat-wicking, two necessities in the world of athletic apparel.

According to Shannon, the brand is "filling the need for simplistic fashion-forward activewear that transverses both its function and aesthetic from the gym to everyday life." The fabrics do feel luxuriant, and the stretch holds up in highly active use. This is something Shannon believes sets them apart. As he explains to CH, "The cuts and fabrics make these items more functional as the actual garments are built to flow and to move in. They are not constricting in any way." Naturally, the shirt and short separates within the collection were conceived of to be worn together, but the individual pieces do hold up on their own—with the lengthy cut of the tops reflecting similar styles in the fashion world.

Explore all of STLR Aesthetics' short-sleeve T-shirt, sleeveless top, tank, and two lengths of shorts online; prices range from $92-$112.